Developer- and Publisher-specific Articles: Evo

Akuma’s addition to Tekken 7 was a surprise, but Bandai Namco’s latest roster reveal is a real shocker: Geese Howard from Fatal Fury. SNK’s infamous ball-busting boss is making his way into the King of Iron Fist Tournament this winter as a downloadable addition. Check him out in action below.

SNK and ATLUS will be returning to Evo this year, and bringing some cash with them. The King of Fighters XIV will be one of the tournament titles, and the studios are ponying up $14,000 in pot bonus prize cash. First place will receive $8,000, while second place will take home $4,000 and third place, $2,000. Also on hand, though for bragging rights instead of cash, will be Puyo Puyo Tetris. Attendees will be able to try out the hybrid puzzler at Atlus’ booth.

Tekken 7’s roster expanded today with news that Lee Chaolan is being added to the cast. Not just Lee, either, but also his alter ego Violet. Adopted by Heihachi and raised to be the rival of Kazuya, Lee went on to form a robotics company. As Heihachi and Kazuya continue their war, Lee waits for his moment to strike. Lee’s is just one of several plotlines that are set to play out during Tekken 7’s Story Mode.

Tekken series director Katsuhiro Harada was on-hand at this year’s Evo to reveal two more characters from Tekken 7’s roster: Bob and Master Raven. Bob, a practitioner of Freestyle Karate, debuted in Tekken 6, while the original Raven was introduced in Tekken 5. The two feature in new trailers along with a handful of new screenshots.

Atlus and SNK are once again bringing King of Fighters to EVO. This year, EVO 2016 will host a booth and a small tournament for The King of Fighters XIV. They will be bringing the latest build for some hands-on time, including a free-to-enter tournament that will net winners $1,400 for first, $700 for second, and $350 for third place. A panel will also be held with artists and developers on hand to answer questions and sign autographs. The full schedule can be found below.

Another Street Fighter Alpha character has joined Nash in Street Fighter V, aspiring wrestler R. Mika. A heavy-hitting high-flyer, Rainbow Mika is a famous wrestler who is inspired by another beloved brawler, Zangief. She can also call upon her tag partner, Nadeshiko, to join in when players utilize her V-Trigger ability. PAX attendees can try a new demo at Capcom’s booth (#3103) that has R. Mika unlocked for play.

The almighty clawed one has joined the cast of Street Fighter V. Vega is the latest of the veterans to make his return, and he arrives shortly after the reveal of the first of V’s four newcomers, Necalli. Vega joins returning fighters Birdie, Cammy, Chun-Li, Ken, M. Bison, Nash, and Ryu. Check below for a new trailer and over a dozen-plus screenshots showing him in action.

Capcom announced the latest addition to Street Fighter V during Evo 2015. Unlike the previous reveals, this one is new to the series: Necalli. A brawler that possesses “a wide variety of savage and close range attacks,” Necalli’s V-Skill engages a damaging ground pound, while his V-Trigger channels an energy through him that changes his appearance and alters his personality. Capcom also revealed their DLC plans for Street Fighter V. All post-launch gameplay content will be unlockable through gameplay or purchasable, whichever the player prefers. And in breaking with franchise tradition, all balance changes, system adjustments, and upgrades will be free—no more Ultra, Arcade, Hyper, or Championship Edition shenanigans. Check below for a new trailer and a handful of new screenshots.

Atlus is sweetening the Evo pot for Persona 4 Arena Ultimax. The studio announced today that they are adding a $10,000 price pool for finals. For those looking to enter, Atlus noted that the competition will be using the current version of the PS3 console. Another Persona will also be at the tournament, the rhythm-based spin-off Persona 4: Dancing All Night, along with competitive Catherine and stations for practicing Ultimax.

Bandai Namco has released an extended version of the Tekken 7 teaser that was debuted during this year’s Evo. The new cut was shown at the studio’s Fighting Game panel during Comic-Con and runs a little over a minute and a half longer than the original.